Raymond wants operation of peryahan regulated

A Cebu City councilor is proposing an ordinance that will regulate the operation of ferias, locally known as peryahan, within Cebu City.

Councilor Raymond Alvin Garcia said there are several reports of unauthorized operations of ferias in different barangays in the city which raised safety concerns.

“The proprietor of peryahan shall post a refundable cash bond of P10,000 with the City Treasurer’s Office. The bond shall serve as a deposit for any liability or damage(s) the operation of peryahan may cause,” reads a portion of the proposed ordinance.

The proposed ordinance was referred to the council’s committee on laws, ordinances, and styling for perusal and recommendations.

Under the proposed measure, Garcia said operators of peryahan should secure barangay’s permit, mayor’s permit, among other permits and certification from various offices in the government before it can start its operation.

The areas where the peryahan will be established should be approved by the City Planning and Development Office pursuant to the zoning ordinance of the city.

Garcia said peryahan should operate one month before any special occasion such as fiestas in the barangay. Portable toilets and trash bins should be installed in the areas.

The proposed prohibitions are selling of liquors, littering, vandalizing, carrying of deadly weapons, employing minors in the feria, and operating without complying with the requirements.

Those violators will be fined from P1,000 to P5,000 or imprisonment of six months to one year at the discretion of the court and revocation of the business permit.

Section 6 of the proposed measure requires the proprietor of the feria to possess requirements such as zoning clearance, barangay endorsement, deed of undertaking assuming full responsibility of any untoward incidents and damages, fire safety inspection certificate, traffic plan and clearance from Cebu City Transportation Office, safety clearance from City Engineering office, sanitary inspection clearance, and list of games and rides.

“The Barangay council concerned and the pertinent offices of the City of Cebu shall be allowed to conduct on-site inspection before the issuance of any indorsements or permits, and shall likewise be allowed to conduct inspection during the operation of the peryahan,” reads a portion of the measure.

Demecillo/MBG